sketches from Scripture: Recent Episodes
paul andrew skidmore
teaching lessons and very short stories inspired by Scripture. from author and filmmaker paul andrew skidmore
skidmore.substack.com
my good friend Michael Strickland joined the livestream this evening to share with us some ideas from the Gospel of Matthew. we EASILY could have talked for two more hours (both because he and i enjoy long conversations AND there’s so much more in Matthew that i’m sure Michael could have shared), but i know you’ll enjoy this episode.
and as always, i pray it encourages you to rethink every relationship in your life from a discipleship, Kingdom perspective.
Michael is also a subscriber to sketches from Scripture, pictured here with his signed copy of “the darkness rolled over her”.
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
see the Holy Land with me! (virtually.) to watch the video, visit skidmore.substack.com.
watch these recordings live on facebook on most Mondays and Thursdays at 7p.
tonight at 7p central, i’ll be interviewing Michael Strickland, and part 2 of this series will be next Monday night at 7p.
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
SERIES FINALE
share this 16-part series from the Gospel of Matthew with someone who would love to hear some Great News:
you can share this page with them:
or they can start here with lesson 1,
or they can listen/subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or by copy/pasting this feed URL into your favorite podcast app.
more stories and series to come. subscribe to sketches from Scripture for free, and you’ll never miss a thing:
Matthew 28 : the Resurrection and Great Commission
Jesus rises and sends…
books & resources
The Gospel of Matthew in its Jewish Context by Craig A. Evans
Archaeology in Action: Jesus and Archaeology with Craig A. Evans
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
Matthew 27 : the Crucifixion
Jesus endures pain and shame to save us…
images
scourging
how it worked:
cat-of-nine-tails feature:
crucifixion nail in heel bone:
books & resources
The Gospel of Matthew in its Jewish Context by Craig A. Evans
Archaeology in Action: Jesus and Archaeology with Craig A. Evans
Bible Lands Museum: Roman Crucifixion on Faithlife TV
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
Matthew 26 : Last Supper and arrest
Jesus gives some final teachings to His disciples before one of them betrays Him…
images
the dungeon at Caiaphas’s house
looking down into the dungeon:
looking up from the dungeon:
stairs down into the dungeon (prisoners were likely dropped the rest of the way:
tour group in the dungeon (for scale):
books & resources
The Gospel of Matthew in its Jewish Context by Craig A. Evans
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
i had the pleasure of chatting with my fellow CHS Class of ‘96 grad Steve Hartline on Talk 101.3 The Buzz last week. we talk about Five Coffees and a Book, “the darkness rolled over her”, and the cultural woes that reveal our need for friends for life now more than ever. you can get the ebook of “the darkness rolled over her” for free at fivecoffeesandabook.com.
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
Matthew 24-25 : Kingdom Age
Jesus describes what will happen on the last day, when He returns to judge every person on earth…
books & resources
The Gospel of Matthew in its Jewish Context by Craig A. Evans
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
in this bonus episode — taken from Thursday night’s informal Facebook Live stream — i discuss my short story "the darkness rolled over her" & Five Coffees and a Book, as September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day.
i also interview my buddy Cody Benzinger, author of The Freelanders, about his debut novel.
learn more about Five Coffees and a Book at fivecoffeesandabook.com.
subscribe to this podcast, read short stories, and more at skidmore.substack.com.
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
Matthew 20-23 : Kingdom Age
Jesus sets up a clear division between those who are in the Kingdom and those who are not, and He warns the religious that they may not be in the group they expect…
books & resources
The Gospel of Matthew in its Jewish Context by Craig A. Evans
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
Matthew 19-20 : Kingdom Age
Jesus sets the context for an impending discussion of the end of the present age and the fulfillment of the Kingdom Age…
books & resources
The Gospel of Matthew in its Jewish Context by Craig A. Evans
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
Matthew 18 : Kingdom Action
Jesus delivers the “community regulations” discourse (4th of 5 discourses in Matthew), envisioning how the Kingdom community ought to live…
books & resources
The Gospel of Matthew in its Jewish Context by Craig A. Evans
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
Matthew 14-17 : Kingdom Action
Jesus challenges the faith of scholars and disciples, and recognizes the faith of even the lowest rungs of His society…
images
the Jesus boat, discovered in Magdala
books & resources
The Gospel of Matthew in its Jewish Context by Craig A. Evans
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
Matthew 13 : Kingdom parables
the Kingdom is like…
books & resources
The Gospel of Matthew in its Jewish Context by Craig A. Evans
Parables of Jesus by Daniel M. Doriani
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
Matthew 11-12 : the Messiah has come
Jesus reveals Himself as Messiah and shows that means more than people expect…
books & resources
The Gospel of Matthew in its Jewish Context by Craig A. Evans
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
Matthew 10 : Missionary Discourse
Jesus sends His authority…
books & resources
The Gospel of Matthew in its Jewish Context by Craig A. Evans
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
Listen now | Matthew 8-9 : Kingdom Authority Jesus’ authority over everything… images books & resources The Gospel of Matthew in its Jewish Context by Craig A. Evans links Discovery Bible Study Faithlife Study Bible this blog - skidmore.substack.com more Five Coffees and a Book
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
Matthew 5-7 : Sermon on the Mount
Jesus’ vision for the Kingdom…
books & resources
The Gospel of Matthew in its Jewish Context by Craig A. Evans
The Sermon on the Mount by Jonathan T. Pennington
Withholding Nothing sermon series by David M. Young
Sermon on the Mount DBS series by David M. Young
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
Matthew 3-4 : John the Baptist, the wilderness, and the first disciples
Jesus’ ministry begins…
books
The Gospel of Matthew in its Jewish Context by Craig A. Evans
The Sermon on the Mount by Jonathan T. Pennington
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
Matthew 1:18-2:23 - birth of Jesus
Jesus is a better Abraham, Judah, Moses, and David…
books
The Gospel of Matthew in its Jewish Context by Craig A. Evans
The Sermon on the Mount by Jonathan T. Pennington
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
Matthew 1:1-17 - the Great News arrives…
the Jewish nation had put their trust in the God of Abraham, the law of Moses, and the Kingdom of David. but by the first century, they were under Roman rule, their moral culture was eroding, and it seemed their God was hidden away behind gates and curtains.
suddenly, an unknown manual laborer from a small village hits the streets with a fantastic announcement…
the Gospel according to Matthew tells the story of a self-proclaimed rabbi from Nazareth who took Galilee by storm, then Judea, then Jerusalem, then Samaria, then the whole Roman world, to the entire earth.
in His many teachings and stories, Rabbi Yeshua brings but one message:
“your heart and life can be changed, because God, King of the Universe, is right in front of you. so follow Me!”
this is Great News.
books
The Gospel of Matthew in its Jewish Context by Craig A. Evans
The Sermon on the Mount by Jonathan T. Pennington
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
SERIES FINALE
share this 15-part series with someone who would love to hear the story of David:
you can share this page with them:
or they can start here with lesson 1,
or they can listen/subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or by copy/pasting this feed URL into your favorite podcast app.
more stories and series to come. subscribe to sketches from Scripture for free, and you’ll never miss a thing:
1 Chronicles 28
David urges Solomon to know God, take courage, and do the work.
books
A Son to Me : An Exposition of 1 & 2 Samuel by Peter J. Leithart
The David Story : A Translation with Commentary of 1 and 2 Samuel by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
1 Kings 2
David’s last words to Solomon.
pursuing God’s heart requires
1 Samuel 1 - relationship
1 Samuel 1-2 - trust
1 Samuel 3 - listening (psalm 27)
1 Samuel 4-7:2 - repentance (psalm 32)
1 Samuel 8-9:11 - boldness from humility
1 Samuel 12 - remembering (psalm 8)
1 Samuel 13-14 - patience (psalm 40)
1 Samuel 15 - obedience (psalm 86)
1 Samuel 16 - vision (psalm 19)
1 Samuel 17 - confidence (psalm 23)
1 Samuel 19 & 24 - honor (psalm 6)
2 Samuel 6 - reverence (psalm 66)
2 Samuel 7 - gratitude
2 Samuel 11-12 - grieving our sin (psalm 51)
1 Kings 2:1-12 - redemption
books
A Son to Me : An Exposition of 1 & 2 Samuel by Peter J. Leithart
The David Story : A Translation with Commentary of 1 and 2 Samuel by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
2 Samuel 11 & 12
David’s sin with Bathsheba. includes a survey of 2 Samuel 8-10 to provide the essential backdrop for this well-known story.
books
A Son to Me : An Exposition of 1 & 2 Samuel by Peter J. Leithart
The David Story : A Translation with Commentary of 1 and 2 Samuel by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
2 Samuel 7
David desires to build a house for God.
books
A Son to Me : An Exposition of 1 & 2 Samuel by Peter J. Leithart
The David Story : A Translation with Commentary of 1 and 2 Samuel by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
2 Samuel 6
the Ark returns.
books
A Son to Me : An Exposition of 1 & 2 Samuel by Peter J. Leithart
The David Story : A Translation with Commentary of 1 and 2 Samuel by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
1 Samuel 25 - 2 Samuel 5
Saul dies, and David finally steps into the role of King, but not without opposition.
books
A Son to Me : An Exposition of 1 & 2 Samuel by Peter J. Leithart
The David Story : A Translation with Commentary of 1 and 2 Samuel by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
you can tune into the recording of these lessons on facebook live monday, tuesday, thursday, and friday nights at 8 eastern / 7 central.
1 Samuel 19 & 24
Saul pursues David. this lesson zooms through chapters 18 through 24, focusing on 19 and 24.
books
A Son to Me : An Exposition of 1 & 2 Samuel by Peter J. Leithart
The David Story : A Translation with Commentary of 1 and 2 Samuel by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
1 Samuel 16:14-17:58
David battles evil spirts with his harp and evil giants with his sling.
images
books
A Son to Me : An Exposition of 1 & 2 Samuel by Peter J. Leithart
The David Story : A Translation with Commentary of 1 and 2 Samuel by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
Malcolm Gladwell’s “The Unheard Story of David and Goliath”
more
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
1 Samuel 15-16:13
Saul is out. Samuel is tasked with anointing a new king, one that The Lord has seen. will Samuel see him, too?
images
books
A Son to Me : An Exposition of 1 & 2 Samuel by Peter J. Leithart
The David Story : A Translation with Commentary of 1 and 2 Samuel by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
1 Samuel 13-14
okay Saul was a bad choice.
images
books
A Son to Me : An Exposition of 1 & 2 Samuel by Peter J. Leithart
The David Story : A Translation with Commentary of 1 and 2 Samuel by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
1 Samuel 12
Samuel retires.
books
A Son to Me : An Exposition of 1 & 2 Samuel by Peter J. Leithart
The David Story : A Translation with Commentary of 1 and 2 Samuel by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
1 Samuel 7-11
Israel requests a king. God sends them Saul.
books
A Son to Me : An Exposition of 1 & 2 Samuel by Peter J. Leithart
The David Story : A Translation with Commentary of 1 and 2 Samuel by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
1 Samuel 4-7:2
war — Israel versus the Philistines. the Ark of The Lord is ripped from the Tabernacle by enemies of God. those who battle against those enemies show the Ark reverence and fear. however, the two sides might not be who you think.
images
books
A Son to Me : An Exposition of 1 & 2 Samuel by Peter J. Leithart
The David Story : A Translation with Commentary of 1 and 2 Samuel by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
1 Samuel 3
Samuel serves The Lord as an assistant to Eli. late one night, The Lord ends decades of silence by speaking to young Samuel, and a new chapter begins for Israel’s story.
books
A Son to Me : An Exposition of 1 & 2 Samuel by Peter J. Leithart
The David Story : A Translation with Commentary of 1 and 2 Samuel by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
1 Samuel 1-2
Hannah is barren. she prays for a son, promising him to The Lord. Israel is spiritually barren and needs new leadership. God gifts both with a newborn child — Samuel.
at the end of the Book of Judges, the author writes,
“In those days there was no king in Israel.
Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”
— Judges 21:25
Israel was a nation, but not a kingdom. the spiritual leaders were corrupt and aloof. and the nation wandered far from God.
thanks to the desperate prayer of a woman named Hannah, her son, the prophet Samuel, became the leader, priest, and judge of Israel. and God called him to anoint a King — one who believed, acted, and ruled after God’s own heart.
will a King unify an adulterous nation and bring them back to The Lord?
this is the story of The Book of Samuel.
books
A Son to Me : An Exposition of 1 & 2 Samuel by Peter J. Leithart
The David Story : A Translation with Commentary of 1 and 2 Samuel by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
stop merely reading the Bible, and start discovering God through the Bible.
the reason we read the Bible is not just for knowledge or insight or practical application. we engage with the Bible in order to deeply experience the Father who loves us, the Son who saves us, and the Spirit that empowers us. we dive into Scripture so we may better trust and follow Christ, better love our God and our neighbor. if you want to learn to devour your Bible, this short two-part series is for you.
follow along as we learn about Discovery Bible Study, an extremely simple tool that take your time with God’s Word to the next level. Discovery Bible Study was originally developed by Final Command Ministries, and you can learn more about it at northboulevard.com/dbs.
what are you thankful for?
what challenges do you see?
did you accomplish what you committed to?
what’s this passage say about God?
what’s it say about people?
what am i going to do about it?
who am i going to tell about it?
how can we help each other?
if you can answer these eight simple questions, you can turn the world upside down the way Jesus intended — by reading Scripture with others and obeying what you read.
it really is that simple. get ready to DEVOUR YOUR BIBLE with Discovery Bible Study.
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
stop merely reading the Bible, and start discovering God through the Bible.
the reason we read the Bible is not just for knowledge or insight or practical application. we engage with the Bible in order to deeply experience the Father who loves us, the Son who saves us, and the Spirit that empowers us. we dive into Scripture so we may better trust and follow Christ, better love our God and our neighbor. if you want to learn to devour your Bible, this short two-part series is for you.
follow along as we learn about Discovery Bible Study, an extremely simple tool that take your time with God’s Word to the next level. Discovery Bible Study was originally developed by Final Command Ministries, and you can learn more about it at northboulevard.com/dbs.
what are you thankful for?
what challenges do you see?
did you accomplish what you committed to?
what’s this passage say about God?
what’s it say about people?
what am i going to do about it?
who am i going to tell about it?
how can we help each other?
if you can answer these eight simple questions, you can turn the world upside down the way Jesus intended — by reading Scripture with others and obeying what you read.
it really is that simple. get ready to DEVOUR YOUR BIBLE with Discovery Bible Study.
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
if you are part of a church, you may have heard the term “disciple” or “discipleship” before, but what does it mean? what is a discipleship group? is being a disciple a strictly Christian thing? what’s the difference in being a student and being a disciple? how does one become a disciple? what does it look like? what are our responsibilities? is it for everyone? how important is it?
this four-part series will cover the basics of being a disciple of Christ — what it means to trust and follow Jesus. we’ll standardize an extensive vocabulary, envision a fully-mature disciple, and talk through the process of growing spiritually as a disciple and parenting others. the information we’ll discuss is largely taken from North Boulevard Church of Christ’s Discipling Handbook, which can be downloaded for free at northboulevard.com/dbs.
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
if you are part of a church, you may have heard the term “disciple” or “discipleship” before, but what does it mean? what is a discipleship group? is being a disciple a strictly Christian thing? what’s the difference in being a student and being a disciple? how does one become a disciple? what does it look like? what are our responsibilities? is it for everyone? how important is it?
this four-part series will cover the basics of being a disciple of Christ — what it means to trust and follow Jesus. we’ll standardize an extensive vocabulary, envision a fully-mature disciple, and talk through the process of growing spiritually as a disciple and parenting others. the information we’ll discuss is largely taken from North Boulevard Church of Christ’s Discipling Handbook, which can be downloaded for free at northboulevard.com/dbs.
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
if you are part of a church, you may have heard the term “disciple” or “discipleship” before, but what does it mean? what is a discipleship group? is being a disciple a strictly Christian thing? what’s the difference in being a student and being a disciple? how does one become a disciple? what does it look like? what are our responsibilities? is it for everyone? how important is it?
this four-part series will cover the basics of being a disciple of Christ — what it means to trust and follow Jesus. we’ll standardize an extensive vocabulary, envision a fully-mature disciple, and talk through the process of growing spiritually as a disciple and parenting others. the information we’ll discuss is largely taken from North Boulevard Church of Christ’s Discipling Handbook, which can be downloaded for free at northboulevard.com/dbs.
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
if you are part of a church, you may have heard the term “disciple” or “discipleship” before, but what does it mean? what is a discipleship group? is being a disciple a strictly Christian thing? what’s the difference in being a student and being a disciple? how does one become a disciple? what does it look like? what are our responsibilities? is it for everyone? how important is it?
this four-part series will cover the basics of being a disciple of Christ — what it means to trust and follow Jesus. we’ll standardize an extensive vocabulary, envision a fully-mature disciple, and talk through the process of growing spiritually as a disciple and parenting others. the information we’ll discuss is largely taken from North Boulevard Church of Christ’s Discipling Handbook, which can be downloaded for free at northboulevard.com/dbs.
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
SERIES FINALE
share this 15-part series with someone who would love to hear the story of Numbers:
you can share this page with them:
or they can start here with lesson 1,
or they can listen/subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or by copy/pasting this feed URL into your favorite podcast app.
more stories and series to come. subscribe to sketches from Scripture for free, and you’ll never miss a thing:
lesson 15 ends our series by looking at Moses’ final admonition to the people of Israel.
books
Five Books of Moses : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
The JPS Torah Commentary : Numbers by Jacob Milgrom
links
Discovery Bible Study
Discipling Handbook by North Boulevard
Faithlife Study Bible
Thinking You’re Naked by Jon Acuff
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
lesson 14 seeks out how to finish well.
books
Five Books of Moses : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
The JPS Torah Commentary : Numbers by Jacob Milgrom
links
Discovery Bible Study
Discipling Handbook by North Boulevard
Faithlife Study Bible
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
lesson 13 introduces the idea of spiritual growth. the chart below comes from North Boulevard’s Discipling Handbook.
images
books
Five Books of Moses : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
The JPS Torah Commentary : Numbers by Jacob Milgrom
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
lesson 12 is the second census in Numbers, the counting of the new generation that has risen up after the first generation has passed away. will they be more faithful than their fathers?
images
books
Five Books of Moses : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
The JPS Torah Commentary : Numbers by Jacob Milgrom
Shaped by the Cross : Meditations on the Sufferings of Jesus by Ken Gire
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
lesson 11 is the hilarious tale of Balaam’s donkey. oh, and Balaam.
images
books
Five Books of Moses : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
The JPS Torah Commentary : Numbers by Jacob Milgrom
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
Book of Balaam inscription on bible.ca
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
lesson 10 looks at the story of the fiery serpents and the brass serpent.
images
books
Five Books of Moses : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
The JPS Torah Commentary : Numbers by Jacob Milgrom
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
wikipedia article on Avaris
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
lesson 9 sees Moses take matters into his own hands as he strikes a rock rather than speaking to it. but is there more to Moses’ sin than we may have been taught in Sunday School?
images
in the map below, the red route is what i am proposing (based on the info from bible.ca) is a more accurate Exodus route, with the red stars along the route representing actual Sinai (Mt. Lawz, or Jabal al-Lawz in modern-day Saudi Arabia) and Kadesh-Barnea (near modern-day Petra in Jordan, close to where Moab would have been just east of the Dead Sea). the yellow stars mark the traditional sites of Sinai and Kadesh-Barnea.
books
Five Books of Moses : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
The JPS Torah Commentary : Numbers by Jacob Milgrom
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
wikipedia article on Avaris
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
lesson 8 finds rebellion and mutiny in the camp, but The Lord shows who is His.
books
Five Books of Moses : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
The JPS Torah Commentary : Numbers by Jacob Milgrom
links
Discovery Bible Study
Discipling Handbook from North Boulevard
Faithlife Study Bible
wikipedia article on Avaris
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
lesson 7 find the spies headed into Canaan, and we find out who trusts The Lord.
books
Five Books of Moses : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
The JPS Torah Commentary : Numbers by Jacob Milgrom
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
Babylon Bee article
Open Doors USA Monthly Prayer Calendar
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
lesson 6 hears the Israelites complain in the wilderness about their food, which gives us the occasion to think about spiritual nourishment.
images
me at 245 lbs!:
me now (less)!:
books
Five Books of Moses : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
The JPS Torah Commentary : Numbers by Jacob Milgrom
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
The Maker’s Diet by Jordan Rubin
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
lesson 5 is interactive, and so you’ll hear me interviewing some of the regular viewers of the facebook live videos. we’re discussing the sentence below. i read people’s responses and apply it to Numbers chapter 1. think about your own story as you listen.
images
books
Five Books of Moses : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
The JPS Torah Commentary : Numbers by Jacob Milgrom
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
lesson 4 covers the Golden Calf, Nadab and Abihu, and God’s judgement.
images
books
Five Books of Moses : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
The JPS Torah Commentary : Numbers by Jacob Milgrom
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
lesson 3 focuses on the Ark of the Covenant.
images
in the map below, the red route is what i am proposing (based on the info from bible.ca) is a more accurate Exodus route, with the red stars along the route representing actual Sinai (Mt. Lawz, or Jabal al-Lawz in modern-day Saudi Arabia) and Kadesh-Barnea (near modern-day Petra in Jordan, close to where Moab would have been just east of the Dead Sea). the yellow stars mark the traditional sites of Sinai and Kadesh-Barnea.
books
Five Books of Moses : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
The JPS Torah Commentary : Numbers by Jacob Milgrom
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
wikipedia article on Avaris
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
lesson 2 walks through some Egyptian history, the possible adoptive family of Moses, and the Reed Sea.
images
in the map below, the red route is what i am proposing (based on the info from bible.ca) is a more accurate Exodus route, with the red stars along the route representing actual Sinai (Mt. Lawz, or Jabal al-Lawz in modern-day Saudi Arabia) and Kadesh-Barnea (near modern-day Petra in Jordan, close to where Moab would have been just east of the Dead Sea). the yellow stars mark the traditional sites of Sinai and Kadesh-Barnea.
books
Five Books of Moses : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
The JPS Torah Commentary : Numbers by Jacob Milgrom
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
wikipedia article on Avaris
wikipedia article on Thutmose III
Exodus Route & Archaeology on bible.ca
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
WANDERING: wisdom from the wilderness is a teaching series based around the book of Numbers from the Old Testament. we’ll also be looking some at the books surrounding Numbers (Exodus through Deuteronomy). our focus is the storytelling and narrative style of these writings and what that has to tell us about how to interpret them.
the forty-year wandering was a punishment and discipline for a people who lacked faith. it was a tough time fraught with war, hunger, thirst, complaining, plagues, mutiny, paganism, and more. but it was also the only time God was visibly, geographically with His people day and night… until the time of Jesus.
when we’re in a season of wandering in our lives, we often ask where God is. it may be that He is always with us, even in — especially in — the wilderness.
lesson 1 picks up after Genesis (as discussed in my previous series, Light in the Darkness) and gets right into the Exodus, the event preceding the 40-year wandering of God’s people in the wilderness.
images
books
Five Books of Moses : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
The JPS Torah Commentary : Numbers by Jacob Milgrom
links
Discovery Bible Study
Faithlife Study Bible
wikipedia article on Avaris
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
seems like something we ought to know how to do already, and yet we often forget some very simple but critical techniques.
free Bibles
biblegateway.com
bible.com
Faithlife Study Bible
links
Discovery Bible Study
Discipling Handbook from North Boulevard
How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Gordon Fee & Douglas Stuart
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen by paul andrew skidmore
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
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Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
SERIES FINALE
share this 15-part series with someone who would love to hear the story of Genesis:
you can share this page with them:
or they can start here with lesson 1,
or they can listen/subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or by copy/pasting this feed URL into your favorite podcast app.
more stories and series to come. subscribe to sketches from Scripture for free, and you’ll never miss a thing:
lesson 15 ends our series by pointing to the future descendent of Judah, the One who would bring Light to every dark heart…
books
Five Books of Moses : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
The Beginning of Wisdom : Reading Genesis by Leon Kass
links
Discovery Bible Study
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
lesson 14 follows our main character into the climax of Genesis, revealing the main point of the whole story to the reader.
books
Five Books of Moses : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
The Beginning of Wisdom : Reading Genesis by Leon Kass
links
Discovery Bible Study
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
lesson 13 looks back at where we’ve come, talks about story structure, and what story structure tells about who the main character of Genesis might be and why. it’s probably not who you think.
images
books
Five Books of Moses : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
The Beginning of Wisdom : Reading Genesis by Leon Kass
STORY by Robert McKee
Screenplay by Syd Field
links
Discovery Bible Study
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
lesson 12 introduces Jacob’s families and the constant struggle they will have with each other and with the world around them. the pinnacle of these struggles come when Jacob wrestles with a “man” who turns out to be The Lord.
images
books
Five Books of Moses : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
The Beginning of Wisdom : Reading Genesis by Leon Kass
links
Discovery Bible Study
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
lesson 11 introduces Jacob and Esau and asks, “are we children, or are we heirs?”
images
books
Five Books of Moses : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
The Beginning of Wisdom : Reading Genesis by Leon Kass
links
Eastern European Mission
Discovery Bible Study
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
lesson 10 discusses the deaths of Abraham and Sarah (whose tomb you can still visit today, as i have), ancient haggling, and a wife for Isaac — Rebekah.
images
books
Five Books of Moses : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
The Beginning of Wisdom : Reading Genesis by Leon Kass
links
Discovery Bible Study
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
lesson 9 follows Abraham and Isaac up the mountain as Abraham is tested by The Lord.
books
Five Books of Moses : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
The Beginning of Wisdom : Reading Genesis by Leon Kass
links
opening pages of The Helper, a work in progress by paul andrew skidmore
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
lesson 8 sees Abram become Abraham, and asks, “who is affected by our obedience (or lack of it)?”
books
Five Books of Moses : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
The Beginning of Wisdom : Reading Genesis by Leon Kass
links
Discovery Bible Study
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
the darkness rolled over her by paul andrew skidmore
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen by paul andrew skidmore
opening pages of The Helper, a work in progress by paul andrew skidmore
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
lesson 7 continues the story of Abram, focuses on his relationship with Lot, and introduces Melchizedek, showing that all Scripture is ultimately about Jesus.
books
Five Books of Moses : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
The Beginning of Wisdom : Reading Genesis by Leon Kass
links
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
the darkness rolled over her by paul andrew skidmore
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
more
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
lesson 6 recaps some things we’ve looked at so far (and picks up a few things we skipped over), then follows Abram as he ventures by faith from his homeland into Egypt.
at the end of the lesson, we introduce Discovery Bible Study, which was developed by Final Command and has been employed world-wide to help Christians and skeptics alike understand and obey the Word of God.
books
Five Books of Moses : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
The Beginning of Wisdom : Reading Genesis by Leon Kass
links
The Bible Project Podcast - God or gods?
Faithlife Study Bible
Discovery Bible Study
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
the parabolos Zazzle store - shirts, coffee mugs, and more
more
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
WARNING: this lesson contains discussion about sexual assault, because that appears to be what is happening in the Scripture we are examining. the discussion is not graphic or detailed, but it is probably not suitable for younger children.
lesson 5 begins by looking at Genesis 9, the end of the Noah story. what is it exactly that Ham does? why is Canaan (Ham’s son) cursed, and not Ham? we’ll look at some suggested answers.
following this, Genesis 12 introduces Abram, the family of God, and God’s covenant.
books
Five Books of Moses : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
The Beginning of Wisdom : Reading Genesis by Leon Kass
links
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
the parabolos Zazzle store - shirts, coffee mugs, and more
more
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
lesson 4 begins the story of Noah, the first man born into a world of death.
books
Five Books of Moses : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
The Beginning of Wisdom : Reading Genesis by Leon Kass
more
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
lesson 3 looks at the beginning of sin and its consequences.
books
Five Books of Moses : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
The Beginning of Wisdom : Reading Genesis by Leon Kass
links
Five Coffees and a Book - FREE ebook and discussion guide
this blog - skidmore.substack.com
my books - skidmorep.com/books
more
sites, social media, and more
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
lesson 2 of Light in the Darkness looks at the first chapters of Genesis.
view this description at skidmore.substack.com for links and more.
books
Five Books of Moses : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
Hebrew Bible : Translation & Commentary by Robert Alter
The Beginning of Wisdom : Reading Genesis by Leon Kass
links
fivecoffeesandabook.com
Written by paul andrew skidmore
skidmorep.com/books
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
this new series from sketches from Scripture explores the storytelling and narrative style of Genesis.
what happens when the Bible is demystified, made real? what is there to learn by the way the story is told? is Genesis a collection of stories, or one book? or part one of a larger work?
we discuss all this and more in this 15-part series called Light in the Darkness.
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
a young mercenary in medieval Tuscany protects a small parish from invading marauders…
read the text version here.
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in the expanse between planets, a small shuttle craft tries to escape a looming battleship…
read the text version here.
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
two men waiting for a bus get into it with a resident trying to make a little cash.
read the text version here.
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe
author and filmmaker paul andrew skidmore introduces the podcast side of sketches from Scripture.
read the text version of this audio episode here.
more to come… very soon!
Get full access to sketches from Scripture at skidmore.substack.com/subscribe